Discontinuation of atorvastatin use in hospital is associated with increased risk of mortality in COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND

Statins are a commonly used class of drugs, and reports have suggested that their use may affect COVID-19 disease severity and mortality risk.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this analysis was to determine the effect of discontinuation of previous atorvastatin therapy in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 on the risk of mortality and ventilation.

METHODS

Data from 146,413 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were classified according to statin therapy. Home + in hospital atorvastatin use (continuation of therapy); home + no in hospital atorvastatin use (discontinuation of therapy); no home + no in hospital atorvastatin use (no statins). Logistic regression was performed to assess the association between atorvastatin administration and either mortality or use of mechanical ventilation during the encounter.

RESULTS

Continuous use of atorvastatin (home and in hospital) was associated with a 35% reduction in the odds of mortality compared to patients who received atorvastatin at home but not in hospital (odds ratio [OR]: 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59-0.72, p < .001). Similarly, the odds of ventilation were lower with continuous atorvastatin therapy (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.64-0.77, p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Discontinuation of previous atorvastatin therapy is associated with worse outcomes for COVID-19 patients. Providers should consider maintaining existing statin therapy for patients with known or suspected previous use.